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UCC Soccer Welcomes Involvement in New FAI National League

19 Dec 2025

We are pleased to announce that our application to be part of the new Football Association of Ireland (FAI) National League has been successful. As a founding member of the National League, we look forward to working collaboratively with the FAI and all other clubs in what is a significant step for football pathways and player development.

UCC Soccer is delighted to be part of the process surrounding the creation of the new FAI National League, an exciting and significant development for Irish football. This new men’s Third Tier represents a key pillar of the FAI’s Football Pathways Plan and aligns strongly with UCC’s commitment to excellence, player development and best practice in sport.

With a proud history of developing players within an educational and high-performance environment, UCC Soccer welcomes the transparent assessment framework outlined by the FAI and looks forward to engaging constructively throughout the process as preparations continue towards the league’s planned launch.

Greg Yelverton UCC Soccer Development Officer expressed:

“These are exciting times in UCC, this strategic move reflects our commitment to developing the game in the UCC while maintaining our core values of education and holistic player development.

Our ambition is to deliver a program that prioritises education, performance, and personal growth, ensuring that UCC Soccer remains a model for holistic development in Irish football. This initiative will provide a clear pathway for players, combining elite soccer with academic achievement, and we hope will position UCC as a leader in nurturing soccer talent within a university environment.

Participation in the Third Tier will raise the standard of football for our players and coaches, strengthen pathways for talented student-athletes to progress to national senior levels, and enhance UCC’s sporting profile nationally in line with our strategic vision for soccer development.”

Ben Lowen Chairman, UCC Soccer said: “��ҹ���޸����þ� College Cork is delighted to confirm its inclusion as one of the 16 clubs selected to compete in the new FAI National League. This represents a major milestone for UCC and recognises the strength of our football structures, our commitment to player development, and our long-standing contribution to the game.

We are extremely excited to be part of this new league and look forward to working closely with the FAI and the 15 other participating clubs as we collectively plan and prepare for the launch of the competition. The league provides an outstanding opportunity to support high-performance football within an educational environment and to contribute to the continued growth of the game in Ireland.

UCC is proud to be involved in this next chapter and is fully committed to approaching it with ambition, collaboration and professionalism.”

Dec Coleman Head Coach of UCC Men’s Team said: “This is a great opportunity for UCC, and for our players and students, to be involved in a progressive step for the football pyramid in Ireland. The introduction of a third tier will be a significant benefit to the wider football landscape, creating clear pathways and raising standards for players, coaches and administrators alike. We’re excited to work with the FAI and the other clubs as we plan and prepare for the launch of the league.”

Daniel McCarthy UCC senior team captain said: “As players, it’s really exciting to see UCC involved in the new third tier. Being part of a progressive step in the football pyramid gives us a clear pathway to improve as players, compete at a higher level, and create a genuine platform to further our careers while representing the university. It’s a great opportunity not just for players, but for everyone involved in the club, and we’re looking forward to helping make the league a success when it launches.”

Everyone at UCC Soccer is excited by the opportunity to work alongside the FAI and the 14 other clubs involved to help shape a competitive, sustainable and progressive new league that will strengthen player pathways and contribute positively to the future of the domestic game.